Virtual soccer next goal

Virtual Spectator head Ian Taylor is in Britain this week trying to convince one of the world's wealthiest sports franchises, Manchester United, that its website could benefit from his company's animation technology.

Since its success with the television animations and internet coverage of the America's Cup, Virtual Spectator has been looking to show it can handle other sports.

Mr Taylor said the company was seeking development money to refine the technology that allows it to generate animations from video footage. This approach dealt with the problem of having to use sensors to obtain data from competitors, which worked with boats or motorsports, but not with team sports.

He said the invitation to demonstrate the software to Manchester United came after approaches to soccer's ruling body, Fifa.

He has also presented a proposal to cover top motor-racing to the head of Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone.

"He was interested but said it was ahead of where he wanted to be, but we should stay in touch."

The company has also been approached about a major US golf tournament.